In Thought, Word & Deed

“…Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humor.
Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke to discover in life a bit of joy,
and to be able to share it with others.”

Prayer for Good Humor
by St. Thomas More

I found myself falling down an internet rabbit hole. I was Googling information on a saint and the “More results” section caught my eye.

“Who is the patron saint of beer drinkers?” Curiosity got the best of me, and I called the question out to my husband.  He guessed, “St. Pauli.” He is full of jokes.

 I clicked on the link and answers of Saint Barbara, Saint Medard of Noyon and Saint Adrian who is also the patron saint of beer himself. And don’t forget Saint Brigid is the female patron saint of beer. Gender equality and all. There were more of course, patron saint of brewers and such.

As I am more of a wine drinker, I just had to find out who the saint of wine was…. Saints Urban and Vincent are the patron saints of winemakers. Thank you, winemakers! Catholics (and Episcopalians, Lutherans, etc.) certainty don’t shy away from alcohol like the evangelicals do.

Another “More results” question caught my eye.

“Who is the patron saint of ice cream?” What? There is a patron saint of ice cream?! Well, ice cream is a comfort food, so it would make sense. Saint Lidwina of Schiedam was canonized in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII. For that, I am thankful.

I did not learn who the patron saint of hot fudge was, but the patron saint of chocolate makers? St. Nicholas.

Patron saint of doughnuts? Drogo of Sebourg (Flemish)

My husband asked if there was a patron saint of pizza? Why, yes. Saint. Antonio Abate (aka Saint Anthony the Abbot.)

If you’ve watched Monty Python’s Life of Brian, you would be familiar with the misunderstood quote: “Blessed are the cheesemakers.”  Well, the crowd wasn’t entirety incorrect, Saints Bartholomew and Lucio are the patron saints of cheese makers and cheese sellers!

“Okay, how about something unrelated to food,” I said.

“Bowling!” My husband called out.

Um, I found a medal with Saint Christopher for bowling on a Catholic website. Which greatly confused me as I knew him as the patron saint of traveling. And Saint Sebastian looks to be the patron saint of sports.  

He was sure I was making it up. Nope. I showed him the picture of the medal, and the information on Saint Sebastian.

The patron saint of cars is Saint Christopher, which makes sense for traveling as I previously mentioned. And Saint Frances of Rome is the patron saint of automobile drivers. Put a picture of Saint Christopher or Saint Frances in your car for protection while driving which is especially good news for Nashvillians. And I am sure good news for others as well.

Saint Roch is the patron saint of dogs and dog lovers.

Saint Gertrude is the patron saint of cats, though, it looks like it isn’t official through the Vatican which was a downer as I love my cats. But she does have a feast day along with Saint Patrick on March 17^th. Wear green and cuddle with your cats that day. Though we know Saint Francis of Assisi is very well known as an animal lover.

Nashville, known as Music City, would appreciate Saint Cecilia (aka Cecelia) as the patron saint of music and musicians.

I was excited to find out the patron saint of books is Saint George. Now I understand why St. George’s Episcopal Church here in Nashville has a large bookstore. Interestingly enough, he is also the patron saint of lepers and leprosy. I’m sure there is a story there.

Eventually, I made it down the rabbit hole realizing I had spent over an hour Googling different saints. Not sure Saint Expeditus, the patron saint of time, would have approved. I had a research paper to write and a lunch date. 

On the other hand, I am sure Saint Philip Neri would have had a joyous laugh at my expense. He had a great sense of humor after all.  Feel free to search for him and go down your own “saintly” rabbit hole.

More information

Monastery Immaculate Conception

Bowling Medal

St. Thomas More’s Prayer for Good Humor

List of patron saints by occupation and activity

15 Unusual Patron Saints

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